Black Pete controversy: Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon defends Christchurch festival’s use of blackface character
Newshub
Wow, is this the same Meng Foon who we have criticised a number of times on The BFD? Good on him for standing up for Dutch people’s culture although it appears that he would not have stood up for their culture if he considered that the origin of the black-faced character was racist. No doubt he will not stand up for our Golliwogs as there are two completely different narratives about their origins.
The use of a blackface character in Christchurch St Nicholas Day celebrations has been defended by the Race Relations Commissioner.
Black Pete, who assists St Nick in handing out gifts, has been branded blatantly racist.
In Dutch folklore, St Nicholas travels once a year from Spain on a steamboat laden with presents. The appearance of his sidekick Black Pete derives from a 19th-century story by children’s author Jan Schenkman that was illustrated with pictures of a dark-skinned Spanish Moor.
Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon said generally blackface characters are perceived to be slaves, but it’s not the case with this particular tradition.
“Telling the stories from the Dutch perspective is very important for greater understanding,”
[…] Foon said tradition and history is important.
[…] “You can’t change culture just because someone doesn’t like it, unless it was illegal or offensive.
“To some it would be [offensive] because they probably don’t understand the origins of blackface, and all they see is slavery.”
Black Pete has sparked intense discussion in recent years. Campaigners against racism say exposure to such imagery is hurtful to black people and damaging to children.
Newshub
This news story reminds me of this line from a movie:
There are only two things in this world that I cannot stand. People who are intolerant of other people’s cultures….and the Dutch!
Our Race Relations Commissioner is tolerant of Dutch culture but ONLY if he deems it to be inoffensive. Culture is culture. What happened in the past is never going to meet modern-day standards but we cannot preserve our traditions if we pick and choose what is acceptable and what is not. No one has a right to not be offended. If you don’t like Golliwogs don’t buy one. If you don’t like Black Pete don’t take part in a Dutch festival. Simple.
